Visiting Durdle Door is something you shouldn’t miss if you’re exploring Dorset. It’s the most famous spot on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast—a stunning natural limestone arch in the sea.
After seeing lots of photos on Instagram, we were really excited to see it in person!
How Was Durdle Door Formed?
When you first see Durdle Door, you’ll be amazed by its perfect arch. It’s rare to witness something shaped by nature rather than by human hands!
This arch has formed over thousands of years, as waves gradually wore away the Portland limestone, creating a hole in the middle. Wondering about its name? "Durdle" comes from an old English word, "thirl," which means to pierce, bore, or drill—a term derived from "thyrel," meaning hole.
The Jurassic Coast became England’s inaugural natural World Heritage Site in 2001, recognized by UNESCO. It remains one of England’s most renowned natural marvels.
How To Get To Durdle Door
The easiest way to reach Durdle Door is by car. You can enter the postcode BH20 5PU in your satnav for the Durdle Door public car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park.
When we visited, the car park prices were:
• Up to 2 hours: £4
• 2 to 4 hours: £5
• 4 to 6 hours: £8.00
• 6 hours or more: £9.50
If you’re traveling from London to Durdle Door using public transport, the best route involves taking a train from London Waterloo towards Weymouth. Get off at Wool Station, which takes just under two and a half hours.
From Wool Station, you can take a taxi or catch the X54 bus heading towards Weymouth. The bus drops you off at the park entrance. Note that there are only a few buses per day (maximum of 2 or 3), so plan your trip accordingly.
Best Time To Visit Durdle Door
The best time to visit Durdle Door for warm weather is during the summer months, from July to September. During this time, the average temperature is around 17 degrees Celsius, but it can reach highs of 26 degrees Celsius or even higher during a heatwave across the south of England. It's a great time to enjoy a swim right by the arch!
Durdle Door Visiting Times
You can visit Durdle Door throughout the year, but note that the car park opens at 8am daily and doesn’t allow overnight parking. During peak season, gates close at 10pm, in spring and autumn at 7pm, and in winter at 4pm. If you arrive via the cliff paths, there are no restrictions, but parking outside these hours can be challenging.
For a first-time visit, we suggest arriving early (when the car park opens at 8am) to take a leisurely walk down to the arch. It's about a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint, and from there, you can descend the steps to the beach as well.
Other Things To Do Near Durdle Door
• Lulworth Cove: A stunning almost perfect circle cove best viewed from the cliffs on the South West Coast Path.
• West Bay: A beautiful beach known for its towering sandstone cliffs, which drop 140 feet to the ground below.
• Milton Abbas: A picturesque village featuring white cottages with thatched roofs and immaculate green lawns.
• Corfe Castle: A charming village overlooked by the ruins of an ancient castle perched atop a hill.
• Lulworth Castle: A 17th-century mock castle, now a museum surrounded by beautiful gardens open year-round.
• Old Harry Rocks: Spectacular views along the trail from Studland Bay to see these distinctive chalk formations.
• Portland Bill: Home to a classic red and white striped lighthouse located on the Isle of Portland.
Which destination caught your eye the most? Have you visited any of these stunning spots, or are they on your bucket list now? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!!
